Did you know that by eating gluten-containing grains, anti-nutrient-containing legumes and fructose-containing fruit you can reduce the risk of developing dementia? Yes, I’m not pulling your leg. Promise. There is a large body of evidence to support it.

It is well documented in the scientific literature that having elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as being overweight, increase one’s chances of developing dementia (1). So, keeping our cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and weight in check is not only vital for our cardiovascular health, but our mental health too (1). Suffice to say, eating well to reduce our risk of developing heart disease and diabetes may also go some way to preserving our mental faculties.So what is the secret recipe? It’s simply to follow a diet that includes all five food groups – low fat dairy, grains, meat and alternatives, healthy fats, and fruit and vegetables. And also remember to cut back on sweets, pastries, cakes, soft drinks, juices and booze, and to move more.A list of dietary and lifestyle related guidelines for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease was released last year. These were published in the esteemed journal, Neurobiology of Aging. The guidelines include the following advice (1):

Vegetables, legumes, fruits, wholegrains, should replace meats and dairy products as primary staples of the diet

Vitamin E should come from foods, rather than supplements. Good sources include nuts, seeds, oils, avocado, green leafy vegetables and wholegrains

Obtaining an appropriate amount of vitamin B12. Good sources include animal sources – meat and dairy

If consuming multiple vitamins, choose those without iron and copper and consume iron supplements only when directed by your doctor

Although aluminium’s role in Alzheimer's disease remains a matter of investigation, those who desire to minimize their exposure can avoid the use of cookware, antacids, baking powder, or other products that contain aluminium

Include aerobic exercise in your routine, equivalent to 40 minutes of brisk walking three times per week

The 1980's called they want their dietary reccommendations back. Alzheimers has been called "type 3" diabetes. The culprits in diabetes are the very foods the author is encouraging us to eat more of.

Reply

Joel Feren

10/6/2015 03:25:04 am

Hi Michael,

I welcome your comment. However, there are countless studies showing that those who consume legumes, fruit and vegetables reguarly are better able to manage their weight (an independent risk factor for diabetes). Therefore, these foods are protective against diabetes.

Further, the recent National Health Survey found that on average, 35% of one's intake is derived from discretionary foods (sweet biscuits, soft drinks, fruit juice, alcohol, chocolate, confectionery). And that only 7% of Australians meet their recommended serves of vegetables each day. Plus, just over half of the population meet their suggested daily fruit intake. It is crystal clear that fruit, legumes and vegetables are not to blame for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.